Page 131 - Chronicle Vol 17

planted next to the headstones of those Durhams who were killed at the begin- ning of the Sicilian campaign.
Day 6 at 0545 hrs was the start of events on the American, Canadian and British landing beaches at Avola, Marzamemi, Pachino and Gelo Licata.
The Durham Light Infantry Association held their Service at 0800 hrs on Monday 10 July 2023 on Avola Beach with all VIP’s including the British Ambassador in attendance. A Piper and a Bugler from the Irish Guards were present to sound “Last Post” and “Reveille” and the Chester-le-Street branch Standard was pre- sented and dipped at the appropriate times. The service was conducted by the Canadian delegation Padre, Father Rob Warren. The Commemoration was per- formed by the DLI Association Chairman, Major (Retd) Chris Lawton in memory of HQ 151 Durham Infantry Brigade and all those Durhams from the 6th, 8th and 9th Battalions DLI who died during the Sicily campaign.
The Exhortation and Kohima Epitaph were spoken by Brian Hardman and John Norton. After the National Anthem the DLI delegation sang “We are some of the DLI” to the delight of the VIP’s and everyone on the beaches. The British Ambassador was so pleased he invited the DLI members to coffee in a nearby restaurant where he spoke to each of the DLI delegation, which was much appreciated.
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